As ice melts, dead fish appear on small ponds

As ice melts, dead fish appearing on shores of New Hampshire's smaller lakes and ponds

HOPKINGTON, N.H. (AP) — As the ice continues to recede on shallow lakes and ponds, dead fish might be washing up on New Hampshire shorelines, but state officials say that's not uncommon.

The Fish and Game Department and Department of Environmental Services say a number of dead fish recently were discovered along the shore of Hopkinton Lake, also known as Elm Brook Pool, in Hopkinton.

Officials say low oxygen conditions can develop in winter because ice and thick snow cap water bodies, reducing the intensity of light and minimizing the ability of algae living in the water to photosynthesize and produce oxygen. If oxygen levels get too low, a winter fish kill is possible.

Officials say the long winter and late ice-out this year may result in more dead fish this spring.